How Andretti’s involvement could elevate the Las Vegas F1 experience

Las Vegas has launched itself onto the scene with the aim of becoming one of the key Formula 1 weekends of the next decade and a big earner for the sport. A revenue of $500 million is expected in this first year with more to come in the future, generated by rising F1 passion in the USA combined with the unique mix of entertainment the city presents: from gambling to dining out, from concerts to one-offs such as the opportunity to buy a Lewis Hamilton Mercedes F1 car at auction. It all adds to the thrill and cash outlay.

It seems like a different world from the last time F1 raced in Las Vegas, when the crowd size of around 30,000 was pitiful despite the fact that a superstar American was back on the grid. Mario Andretti was standing in for the injured Didier Pironi at Ferrari in the last two races in 1982 and, having taken pole position at the penultimate round on Ferrari home territory in Monza, might have expected a huge turnout of fans at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas – especially since the constructors’ and drivers’ titles were still live.